Nine student musicians from across Bulloch County Schools' middle and high school band programs recently auditioned and were selected for the Georgia Music Educators Association's (GMEA) District 1 Honor Band. Seven of the students will also go on to audition for the GMEA's All-State Band.
"These kids practiced rigorously for months, showcased their musical prowess, and have earned their recognition and spots in this prestigious ensemble," said Sergio G. Arreguin, Statesboro High School's assistant band and choral director.
The GMEA sponsors a District Honor Band and an All-State Band annually to showcase the most talented students in each district and in the state of Georgia. Its purpose is to help students improve as a musician and to gain experience with a wider range of music, conductors, and concert settings. The audition process involves months of preparation, including mastering major scales, performing a musical etude, and sight-reading a new piece of music.
These talented students will have the honor of participating in the GMEA District Honor Band in February, led by distinguished musicians and educators.
"Congratulations to all the students for their dedication, hard work, and musical excellence," said Arreguin. "We are incredibly proud of their achievements."
The middle and high school band programs at these schools are led by Lee Collins, director and Sergio G. Arreguin at Statesboro High School; John Gleissner, director at Portal Middle High School; Matt Olsen, director at Southeast Bulloch High School; and Richard Johnson, director at Southeast Bulloch Middle School. Bulloch County Schools provides music theory and choral instruction for all grades, symphonic band for middle and high school, and marching band for high school.
High School Level - 11 & 12th Grade:
- Cason Brown (Trumpet) - Portal Middle/High School
- Emory D’Arcangelo (Clarinet) - Statesboro High School
- Ethan Delfin (Percussion) - Portal Middle/High School
- Michael Hogan (Flute) - Portal Middle/High School
- Mason Thompson (Trumpet) - Statesboro High School
High School Level - 9 & 10th Grade:
- Tyler Blythe (Trumpet) - Statesboro High School
Middle School Level:
- Janie Cowan (Trombone) - Southeast Bulloch Middle School
- Kendall Griffith (Alto Saxophone) - Southeast Bulloch Middle School
- Caleb Kelly (Trumpet) - Southeast Bulloch Middle School
High School Alternates:
- Karsyn Coursey (Soprano Clarinet) Grades 9/10 - Portal Middle/High School
- Sara Finch (Alto Saxophone) Grades 11/12 - Portal Middle/High School
Middle School Alternates:
- Landon Smith (Tenor Sax) - Southeast Bulloch Middle School
In January, the following students will also audition for a seat in the 2024 GMEA All-State Band which will convene, practice and perform Feb. 29 - March 2, at The Classic Center in Athens, Georgia.
High School Level 11 & 12th Grade:
- Emory D’Arcangelo (Clarinet) - Statesboro High School
- Ethan Delfin (Percussion) - Portal Middle/High School
- Michael Hogan (Flute) - Portal Middle/High School
- Mason Thompson (Trumpet) - Statesboro High School
High School Level - 9 & 10th Grade:
- Tyler Blythe (Trumpet) - Statesboro High School
Middle School Level:
- Janie Cowan (Trombone) - Southeast Bulloch Middle School
- Kendall Griffith (Alto Saxophone) - Southeast Bulloch Middle School
